Welcome to Inverness
To the north of the San Francisco Bay Area is a more relaxed region of California. The industrial sectors of Silicon Valley and biotechnology industry of San Francisco give way to miles of rolling canyons, soaring hills, and idyllic rural towns. Dotted among the landmarks and geography of the region are tiny communities, often little more than bleeps on the government\’s radar. The community of Inverness is one of the smaller and more isolated locations in northern California. However, that doesn’t do much to diminish the natural beauty of the area or suppress the open nature of its residents.
Lay of the Land
Located in the northwest section of Marin County, Inverness is positioned on the western shore of Tomales Bay. The area is peppered with small, unincorporated cities and census designated locations, including Point Reyes Station, Millerton, and Seahaven. Inverness is on the peninsula side of the Tomales Bay, effectively separated from the rest of the county. However, it does mean that the area is brushed against the Point Reyes National Seashore to the west. Inverness has a moderately sized population, though with 1,304 residents, it is on the large size for a census designated place. While the median household income ($57,443) is just below the state average, the average home value ($930,239) is almost triple the state average.
Transportation
Inverness is located in one of the more isolated regions of Marin County. Not only is it located along the coastal edge of the county, it is also separated from the majority of the county by the Tomales Bay. This makes transit into and out of the area relatively challenging. State Route 1 is located just east of the town and can be reached via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, the primary road in Inverness. State Route 1 is a major coastal highway and connects Inverness to the rest of the region in a north and south direction. The town is also serviced by the Marin County Stagecoach. This is a series of small shuttles that connect the extended portions of the county to the more developed eastern section.
Local Highlights
While Inverness is small and isolated, that is mainly by choice and not the result of a failing economy or other external factors. The residents enjoy the scenery and the solitude. However, they also enjoy basic services such as several restaurants, a post office, a gift shop, and a small downtown region. The primary industry in Inverness is tourism, which is why the town also features several hotels and locally owned inns.
As the name implies, The Cottages at Point Reyes Seashore are a collection of privately managed cottages located at the edge of town. The resort itself features several community amenities, including a saline pool, basketball court, picnic and barbeque areas, a hot tub, and tennis courts. The rooms themselves are also eloquently furnished with vaulted ceilings, kitchen and dining areas, and numerous skylights and glass walls. However, the primary appeal of the location is isolation. Each cottage has a private entrance and access to a private section of wildlife preserve with numerous secluded locations for contemplation and relaxation.
The town also features two main restaurants; Vladimir’s Czech Restaurant and Saltwater. Vladimir’s is an ethnically themed restaurant that has been operated by the same family for over 40 years. It features a wide range of authentic Czech dishes and beverages, as well as a smaller, more modernized menu. Saltwater is a combination restaurant and oyster depot. The overwhelming majority of the menu features items gathered locally. This includes oysters plucked fresh from the bay, locally grown produce, and wine shipped directly from local vineyards.
